Cotoneaster, Cranberry Cotoneaster apiculatus Height: 3 feet Spread: 6 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4b Description: Certainly one of the most popular medium sized groundcovers, a mounded spreading shrub with dense, tightly held branches; pretty pink flowers in spring along the branches, followed by striking red fruit in fall, a versatile plant for general landscape use Ornamental Features Cotoneaster, Cranberry is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent red berries from late summer to late fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. It features tiny clusters of pink flowers along the branches in late spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The tiny glossy round leaves turn an outstanding brick red in the fall. Landscape Attributes Cotoneaster, Cranberry is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect. This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics. Cotoneaster, Cranberry is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Cotoneaster, Cranberry will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. To help this plant achive its best flowering performance, periodically apply a flower-boosting fertilizer from early spring through into the active growing season. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.
